Chooks 3×3 teams negative for virus; No high 5s, handshakes during games

All set for Chooks to Go Pilipinas 3×3 tournament in a bubble set up. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The first batch of players and staff inside Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3’s bubble in Calamba, Laguna have all tested negative for COVID-19 ahead of the tournament.

The players from Family’s Brand Sardines-Zamboanga City Chooks, Uling Roasters-Butuan City, Bacolod Master Sardines, Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards, Palayan City Capitals, Big Boss Cement-Porac MSC Green Gorillas, and Pasig-Sta. Lucia Realtors, who arrived Wednesday morning, were immediately administered with RT-PCR testing before entering Inspire Academy.

“We are glad to announce that all 33 players that entered our bubble have tested negative for COVID-19 and are ready to begin practicing on Friday,” said league commissioner Eric Altamirano Thursday.

The last five teams, namely Zamboanga Peninsula Valientes MLV, Pagadian City-Rocky Sports, Petra Cement-Roxas City Rockies, Sarangani Marlins, and Bicol Pro 3×3, also arrived on Thursday and now await their COVID-19 test results.

Despite the negative tests, the league won’t be taking it easy in its protocols inside the confined environment that will host the President’s Cup from October 21 to 30.

Celebrations will be limited during the games with high fives and handshakes discouraged.

“We will still be practicing our health standards inside the bubble so handshakes and high fives are discouraged during the conduct of the games,” said Chooks 3×3 health consultant Dr. Willie Ong.

League staff are also required to observe proper social distancing and wearing of face masks and face shields are mandatory.

Random tests will also be administered during the tournament and anyone who tests positive will be isolated and eventually sent home if another positive test comes out.

“We will immediately bring him to the isolation room for retesting and if found positive again, we will be isolating him and sending him out of the bubble then do contact tracing,” said Ong. “The goal is for early detection and early separation.”

The staff and players’ luggage were also disinfected the moment they arrived at Inspire.